Religions don’t divide people, politics does: Rana

KATAL BATAL NAGROTA APRIL 05- National Conference Provincial President Mr Devender Singh Rana on Thursday expressed concern over deepening wedge between different segments of people, saying hate and intolerance seem to have plagued the society, leaving humanity bleeding.

“Religions don’t divide but the politics does”, Mr Rana saidwhile addressing a largely attended congregation held in observance of 641st birth anniversary of Guru Ravi Dass ji at Katalbatal in Nagrota here this afternoon, adding thatconscience keepers of the society must go for soul searching to find out what actually ails the society.

Mr Rana said all religions and religious preachers stand for love, amity and selfless service but their teachings are alarmingly falling silent in the din of hate and greed. To eschew these tendencies, there is immense need of generating awareness about the unity and diversity as professed by religious scholars and sages from time to time, he maintained.

Paying tributes to great saint and social reformer Guru Ravidassji, Mr Rana said said that best way of celebrating the occasion is to take a pledge to follow his teachings in letter and spirit and work for building a society based on the natural principles of social justice, equality, compassion, love and togetherness.

The Provincial President said the life and teachings of Guruji has inspired the generations and helped in transforming the society, making it conducive for various communities, irrespective of cast, creed and colour. He said the relevance of the teaching of the great saint and philosopher assume significance now, as never before, since the society at large is confronted with a challenge from elements inimical to amity and brotherhood.

Mr Rana urged the devotees, present in the congregation, to spread the message of love, peace and compassion. This, he said, is imperative for national integration and promoting inclusiveness across the country and the State.

Lauding the efforts of Shri Shri 108 Swami Gurdeep Giri Ji Maharaj in enlightening the society as per teachings of Guru Ravi Dass Ji, Mr Rana hoped that this will help in building harmonious society based on love, amity, equality and justice to all. He referred to the contribution of Guruji in the spread of education espeically at Pathankote and said similar effort is needed to be made in Nagrota as well.

Dwelling upon the life and teachings of Guruji, several speakers recalled his eventful life and said he emerged as a beacon light at a time when the society was engulfed by darkness. “Those were the times when fellow human beings were being discriminated on the basis of caste and creed”, they said and referred to the great role played by the Guruji in ensuring that all segments of the society live with honour and dignity.

The MLA Nagrota announced construction of a washroom block out of his Constituency Development Fund at Guru Ravi Dass Sabha Satsang Ashram at Katal Batal.